Man Accused of DWI and Gun Threats in Fergus Falls

A driver weaving through Fergus Falls at high speeds with black soot pouring from his tailpipe drew the attention of a concerned citizen and police, who later found a loaded handgun on him during a traffic stop, according to the complaint.

Jacob Lawrence Cronk, 44, is charged in Otter Tail County District Court with attempted second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, threats of violence, obstructing legal process, two counts of DWI, carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol and an open bottle violation. The charges were filed October 13.

The complaint says the incident began on October 10 when a citizen noticed a vehicle entering Fergus Falls and driving erratically. The citizen described the driving as out of control, with the vehicle swerving over the center line, jumping the curb into the grass and accelerating to an estimated 40 to 50 miles per hour on Fir Avenue. The citizen followed the vehicle and saw it cut off other drivers, run a red light and leave a trail of black soot.

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According to the complaint, a Fergus Falls police officer spotted the vehicle and saw it cross the center line and fog line multiple times. The officer conducted a traffic stop near the roundabout off Tower Road. When the officer approached, he noted the odor of alcohol and that Cronk’s speech was slurred. Cronk told the officer he had consumed one beer.

The complaint states the officer asked Cronk to exit his lifted pickup. As Cronk got out, he reached into the vehicle to grab his keys and placed them in his pocket. As they walked toward the rear of the pickup, Cronk told the officer he had a firearm on him. The officer instructed Cronk not to reach for it, but Cronk began reaching toward his waistband.

The officer took control of Cronk’s arms and with the help of a sergeant, they safely removed a loaded 9 mm handgun from Cronk’s front waistband.

Police say Cronk showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot, watery eyes and swaying while standing. The officer observed a lack of smooth pursuit in Cronk’s eyes and nystagmus during field sobriety tests. Cronk denied having any head trauma or neurological disorders and said he wore contacts.

The complaint lists the counts without tying each one to a specific act. It says Cronk was arrested after field sobriety tests and later refused a chemical breath test at the Otter Tail County Detention Center.